FedEx Express has launched a fleet of 15 cargo tractors powered entirely by hydrogen fuel cells at its World Hub at Memphis International Airport in Tennessee, USA.
The new ground support equipment (GSE) produces zero emissions and was developed by FedEx in collaboration with the US Department of Energy (DOE), fuel cell manufacturer Plug Power, and electric vehicle developer Charlatte America. Plug Power has also installed a hydrogen fueling station.
US Congressman Steve Cohen, said, “For a long time I have worked to make Memphis a more sustainable and innovative community. I am pleased that FedEx and [its CEO]Fred Smith share these goals, not just with their cutting edge air cargo and distribution efforts, but with environmentally advanced projects like these that improve our environment by reducing carbon footprints while bolstering our economy.
“I was proud to vote for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provided the start-up funds for the fuel cell industry and other forward-looking technologies.”
John Dunavant, vice president, FedEx Express World Hub, said, “While these hydrogen fuel cell-powered cargo tractors may not look big, they are capable of pulling 40,000lbs of cargo on airport dollies in even the harshest weather conditions, and they embody our strong commitments to innovation and to reducing our environmental footprint.”
April 20, 2015
